Hi! So I'm a little confused on to what goes on after I get my letter for HRT. Like, where do I go? I've heard just go to my normal doctor and he'll A. prescribe me hormones or B. send me to someone who will, and I've heard the endo route. I'm very eager to start soon and I don't know what direction to take after the letter. I live in western North Carolina, so doctors here don't know a lot about gender issues, and I've already called planned parenthood and it's a little bit too costly tbh :( So which direction do I go in? ???
Ack. I myself don't know... :-\. Sorry about that. Though it is awesome that you're to the stage of hormones. I myself have hardly started coming out. Regardless, welcome to the family, and hopefully someone comes over who knows what they're doing ;). Best of luck.
Did you ask whoever gave you the letter if they have any suggestions? If not try googling for trans-friendly doctors in your area. I believe "transgender endocrinology" is a specialty listed on health provider directory/review websites.
UK reporting in, do you have any equivalent of the Citizens advice bureau over there?
It is a resource here for getting advice on most any subject you can think of, maybe a place like that can help you?
The 211 thing is sort of like your advice place. It isn't very well used or known. It also isn't always very useful.
I agree with asking the person who wrote your letter if they can recommend anyone. I would also suggest looking into planned parenthood a little closer. They base their fees on income.
Go with an Endocrinologist as hormones are their specialty along with diabetes, thyroid issue's, etc. :)
You need a hrt letter to get hormones now ? I never had to or anybody I knew
I did a google search using "north carolina" transgender (making sure the state name is within quotation marks) and this gave links that named endos in Asheville, along with other towns. As to whether it has to be an endo...well in my opiion and I know others say it is best, I have had very good results with my clinic. There was three items that had to work for me in doing my research, transgender experience, willingness to use an informed consent letter, and accepting my insurance. Once I found a clinic that met these I made my appointment. My doctor has stressed that I have to follow a strict regimen of blood work ups, which if this was absent I would have looked elsewhere as my health is paramount. This clinic is a two hour drive for me but the quality of care that I am getting is worth it. Dani
Quote from: Jessica Merriman on September 18, 2014, 08:47:08 AM
Go with an Endocrinologist as hormones are their specialty along with diabetes, thyroid issue's, etc. :)
I tried a few around here and I got tons of people hanging up on me or being extremely rude :/ So, still on the hunt for an endo!
Quote from: TinaVane on September 19, 2014, 08:13:42 AM
You need a hrt letter to get hormones now ? I never had to or anybody I knew
I've heard some people say yes, and others say no. I don't have a lot of trans resources around here, so every place I turned told me I needed a letter. What was your process on getting on them if you don't mind me asking?
Quote from: Newgirl Dani on September 19, 2014, 11:16:55 AM
I did a google search using "north carolina" transgender (making sure the state name is within quotation marks) and this gave links that named endos in Asheville, along with other towns. As to whether it has to be an endo...well in my opiion and I know others say it is best, I have had very good results with my clinic. There was three items that had to work for me in doing my research, transgender experience, willingness to use an informed consent letter, and accepting my insurance. Once I found a clinic that met these I made my appointment. My doctor has stressed that I have to follow a strict regimen of blood work ups, which if this was absent I would have looked elsewhere as my health is paramount. This clinic is a two hour drive for me but the quality of care that I am getting is worth it. Dani
Thank you so much! Asheville is about a 30 minute drive for me, but I never even knew they had endos there because I never got results.
Quote from: AliceVonTerre on September 18, 2014, 12:50:38 AM
I've already called planned parenthood and it's a little bit too costly tbh
Hate to tell you sweetie, but it will be costly anywhere without insurance of some kind. I was placed on Medicare after being injured in the line of duty, but here are what my meds would cost without insurance.
1. Estradiol Cypionate (injectable) without insurance $54.28 90 day supply
2. Spironolactone (tablets) without insurance $124.85 90 day supply
3. Progesterone (injectable) without insurance $39.67 90 day supply
With Medicare I payed $8.00 total. HRT can be very costly so be prepared. :)